Ok, I have been searching this forum quite a bit and have found many ideas. I'm now looking for suggestions to my particular situation...as you can see, I'm new to this. Ok, I currently have a dvd burner...unfortunatley, I have discovered that it is a dvd+r/rw and didn't know that most dvd players play dve-r's. So, I have found a couple of dvd external dvd burners that I would like (plextor and nec....budget will most likley be the determining factor). Anyways. I have the software to back up my own dvd's and have done this successfully, so I know my computer has what I need for dvd's. I'm not sure if I would like a stand alone or something else. My biggest problem is that my s-video is an out and not in. I also have a laptop so I haven't researched any areas that way due to space. I have been looking at the Dazzle Video Creator 150 http://www.pinnaclesys.com/publicsi...me+Video/Dazzle/Digital+Video+Creator+150.htm Would that solve my problem? I do have the high speed usb 2.0. Or, would I be better off with a stand alone? Cost would be a great issue so please don't reccomend any 700.00 ones. If the dazzle (or something similar) would work, I would prefer to go that route because I really don't need any more equipment in my entertainment center full. Thanks to all in advance....thanks for your patients too.
jasminec; What is it that you're wanting to record "from"? Sounds like a VCR or camcorder, as you mentioned- "I have the software to back up my own dvd's and have done this successfully" If you have a video card, it's likely to have both an "S-Video" In and Out, as well as a connector for coaxial. If this is the case and you need an analoge adapter,aka "RCA Plug/Red,White,Yellow", you can get one at any variety of electronic outlets, (radio Shack, Best Buy, Circut City, etc. As to your +r/rw burner, majority of newer (yr.2002 +) standalone players will play dvd+/- r/rw, cd, cdr/rw,mp3,etc. So if all you want to do is be able to burn in -r/rw format, you'll need a different burner. Have had good experiences from "newegg.com"
Jasminec.... You failed to mentioned which burner you have. However, using a DVD +R burner a probably solution would be to "Booktype" the disc before starting the burn. I believe somewhere on this particular forum there is an explanation of the differences between a -R and a +R disc.
Sorry for any confusion...my toddler was trying to help. I am looking at backing up vhs tapes. I did mention that I am looking at purchasing an external dvd burner ......plextor or nec. It doesn't matter what I have in the laptop as it only burns dvd+r/rw and I wish to use -r Maybe (now that my toddler is sleeping) if I just ask the questions it will be easier. 1) Does anyone have any recomendations in regards to external dvd burners....I'm looking at nec and plextor but am unsure which to go with. I can get a nec 3540 on ebay with a case......which is basically an internal with a case making it an external in a way. Plextor has a couple nice ones too. 2) Is there a way (inexpensive) that I can find out if my s-video is not only an s-video out but in also? It has a pic of a tv with an arrow pointing out so I was assuming it was out only. 3)Would the dazzle video creator 150 solve all of my problems with connections if the s-video I have is an out only? The dazzle uses usb 2.0 which I have. 4) Does anyone know if the dazzle video creator 150 has problems with macrovision...copywrite? 5) If I'm better off with a stand alone, does anyone out there have any suggestions for an inexpensive one....vhs and dvd burner combo. Please remember, all I'm looking to do is back up my vhs tapes....hollywood movies. Once again, thanks to all for your patients.
Ooops. I forgot to mention that my dvd player only plays -r. I found out the hard way. I don't need another dvd player and an external dvd burner would come in handy anyways. That is why I'm looking to burn dvd-r's.
I can't suggest what DVD player/burner to get, but I would never buy a Dazzle. Get the Hauppauge PVR-USB 2. A much better device, totally ignores macrovision, and comes with all the software you need to capture, edit, author, and burn.
jasminec..... rebootjim has given you the best information and advice possible at the lowest cost for your situation. We can recommend a burner, but we all have our favorites as well as dogs. A simple suggestion is to obtain a copy of the November 2005 of PC World. They have listed the pros and cons of the DVD burners now on the market. One other point, understand what is macrovision and how it is induced. It is eliminated only by a hardware solution... If you are considering using a recorder, go to Home Theatre under DVD recorders on Afterdawn Forums to answer your questions thereof. Best of luck..... Texas Outlaw.
Thank you both very much. I was assuming that macrovision was like the decryption used on dvd's (which I understand and have the software that decrypts it). The dazzle 150 came with software (or so I thought), but I wasn't sure if it would ignore macrovision or not. I will be taking all of your advice. Once again, Thanks.
DVD's use a different sort of copy protection, because they're digital. VHS tapes are not, and use the old macrovision method. Decrypter, and other software, are designed to bypass the digital copy protections, NOT VHS macrovision.
Jasminec; As you have seen, your questions answered, and suggestions fulfilled, Hopefully you will indeed take in the wisdom of these fellows because they have helped me more than a time or two. have to agree on Haus. Drive does the trick VERY well
Thank you all very much. You have most certainly enlightened me on the subject of macrovision. I have been checking out external burners and am looking into the plextor burners. Possibly and internal with the external housing....remember I have a laptop so there is no room inside the system. Also, I will now avoid the dazzle setup completely and take your suggestion. There is one thing that I have found with this situation: It is similar to backing up dvds in this sense. At first you have no clue, but with the help and informaiton from those who do plus a little trial and error, it will work out just fine. I now have a direction to go and the rest will be trial and error. Either way, I AM going to back up these tapes, it is just a matter of which way works best for me. Thanks again to all of you for all of your help. I truly appreciate it.
I don't know if this helps or not, but here it goes: I had over 300 VHS's, all the way from our wedding (over 30 years ago) to football games, basketball games (of Larry Bird), Nascar Races (all 73 Jeff Gordon's wins), my cows having calves, etc. I wanted to convert all of these VHS's to DVD's. So I purchased a Household Stand-A-Lone VHS---DVD Combo (can't remember the brand, but if you're interested I'll find out,(not at home right now) I do know that it cost around $350) It took me about 8 months, but I did convert all of my VHS's over to DVD's, and even now I record races and football games right off of the TV to DVD. I recorded the Colts 40to 21 win over the Patriots, just last night. Steve
sdswaney, I would be interested in knowing what one you have. Have you copied any hollywood movies? My biggest question would be if it has any problems with macrovision. I just noticed last night that my vcr is not working properly. So, I will have to look into another one. For the cost of them, it isn't worth fixing it. The thing is like 7-8 years old. So, a stand alone might be a good idea. I really was looking at the other suggestion but if this works around macrovision, then I might check into it. Thanks a bunch.
My unit is Sylvania's DVR90VE. I purchased mine one and a half years ago for $299 at Amazon, I noticeded yesterday Amazon was selling them for $179. To answer your question about hollywood movies. I am pretty sure it doesn't work around macrovision. The computer is probably the best way for you to go. You're at the right site to find out how to do it, these guys are great. All of my tapes were homemade. Steve
